Formation tester with pressure equalizing means



Ike. 25, 1956 B. R. MCKINLEY FORMATION TESTER WITH PRESSURE EQUALIZING uEANs Filed May 11, 195s 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 irme/IM Dec. 25, 1956 B. R. MCKINLEY FORMATION TESTER WITH PRESSURE ,EQUALIZING MEANS Filed May ll, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 ,n lll* a y y 2 5 a a.

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Dec. 25, 1956 B. R. MCKINLEY FORMATION TESTER WITH PRESSURE EQUALIZING MEANS Filed May ll, 1953 ,United States Patent O FORMATION TESTER wrrH PRESSURE l EQUALIZING MEANS t Boyd R. McKinley, Long Beach, Calif. Application May 11, 1953, Serial No. 354,118 6 claims. (ci. 16s-149)` In an oil well it is desirable to obtain a sample of the lAn object of myinvention is to provide a novel means l `whereby iluid can by-pass the packer when the tool is going into the well or when it is removed from the well, thus enabling the tool to be` movedwithout lifting a considerable column of uid, and alsoreducing the wear on the packer. p n t Another object of my invention is toprfovide a means `whereby uid and/ or pressure `can be equalized above and below a packer in a formationtester, the by-passing of fluid around the packer beingaccomplished `before a sample is taken of the fluid inthe well, and also after that sample has been taken.

A feature of my invention resides `in the combination of a formation tester in which a sampling tube is moved longitudinally within the body of the tool, the longitudinal movement of the sampling tube serving to control cer- `tain by-pass ports which `are arrangedbelow the sample retaining portion of the tube. n

Another feature of my invention is to provide a block or wall between the upper portion of the sampling tube in which a sample of the well fluid is retained, and the lower portion of this `tube which acts as a conduit to per- `mit by-passing of uid or `pressure around the packer.

Other objects, advantages and features of invention may appear from the `accompanying drawing,` the subjoined detailed description and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary view of the upper portion of my formation tester with pressure equalizing means and with parts broken away to `show interior construction.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of the lower portion of the tool with parts broken away to Show interior construction. n

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the lower portion of the sampling tube shown in sample obtaining position.

Figure 4 is aview similar to Figure 3 but showing the sampling ports in closed position.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5 5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 `is a fragmentary longitudinal Sectional view of a modified form of my invention in which the sampling tube is shown inposition when going into the well.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing the ports in a position when the sample is being taken into the tube above the ports here shown.

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within the sleeve 8, substantially as shown.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing the 2,775,305 Patented Dec. 25,1956

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ports in a position when going out of the hole and after a sample has been taken.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of a modied form of my invention in which there is a ball check valve in the lower end ofthe sampling and bypass tube.

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing the ports in the by-pass portion of the tube in a position to bypass the fluid when going into the well.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the control portion of my tool is similar to the control portion shown in Fig. 6 of my prior Patent No. 2,197,078, dated April 16, 1940, and entitled Formation Tester, and substantially identical with the control portion of my prior Patent No. 2,588,746, dated March 1l, 1952. In somewhat general terms my formation tester 1 comprises a control head 2 and a packer 3 mounted below the control head 2, in a manner to be subsequently described. A ported intake sleeve 4 extends below the packer 3 and fluid is adapted to flow` or out of this sleeve, as will be subsequently described. The packer 3 may be of the so-called hook wall type and this type of packer is used to engage the wall of the casing when casing has been set in the well and where it is desired to test within casing. If it is desired to test in an open hole, that is where there is no casing, then an open hole packer is employed of the type shown in Patent No. 2,288,780, or a similar device.

On the upper end of the formation tester 1, Iprovide a sub 5 which is suitably threaded to receive the drill pipe 6. A control tube 7 extends downwardly from the sub 5 and into a sleeve 8 in which the tube is rotatable. A head 9 is formed on the lower end of the tube 7 and a nut 10 screws into the top of the sleeve S and seats against the head 9, thus holding the tube 7 against longitudinal movement in the sleeve 8. The lower end of the tube '7 rests on an anti-friction bearing 11. This bearing is mounted It will thus be evident that if the sleeve -8 is held stationary, rotation of the drill pipe will cause the tube 7 to rotate within the sleeve 8. A sampling tube 12 extends downwardly through the sleeve S and into the control. head 2, and this sampling tube is of considerable length, and the reason for this will be subsequently described.

A coarse thread 13 is cut on the inside of the `control tube 7 and a matching thread 14 is cut on the outside of the sampling tube 12. The threads 13 and 14 are coengaging and, as tube 12 is slidably and non-rotatably mounted in sleeve S, rotation of the control tube 7 in one `direction will cause the sampling tube 12 to be moved the control head 2 and consists of a sleeve 16 which is attached to the control head 2 by the pipe 17, this pipe being threaded onto both the sleeve 16` and the control head 2, substantially as shown. There is a space or fluid passage 18 around the lower part of the control head 2 `and within the pipe 17 to enable uid `to flow therethrough,

and thence into the sampling ports 19. The passage 18 communicates at one end with the ports 19 and at the other end with the interior of pipe 17 below the control head. The ports 19 are positioned between upper and lower annular packings 20 and 21 respectively, which` are positioned within the control head 2 and encircle the sampling tube 12.

The tube 12 is provided with intake holes 22` which, when aligned with the ports 19, will permit a sample of fluid to flow into said tube and can thus be brought to the surface when the tool is removed from the well. The holes 22 are closed by the packing 20 when the tool trst enters the well, and then by rotation of the drill pipe'6 the holes v22 are caused to move downwardly and align themselves with the ports 149., at which time a sample of the well fluid is taken and thereafter further rotation of the drill pipe will cause the holes 22 to be closed by engaging the packing 21. An extension pipe 23 is mounted on the sampling tube 12 and extends through the by-pass and equalizer assembly 15. A suitable plug or closure 24 v is provided between the sampling tube 12 and the pipe 23 so that the sample taken into the tube 12 will be retained therein and cannot llow out through the pipe 23. The pipe 23 is provided with intake holes 25 at the lower end thereof and also circulation holes 2,6k adjacent the upper end thereof. The sleeve 16 of the by-pass assembly 15-has upper and lower annular packing 27 and 28, respectively, whichpackings encircle and sealingly engage the pipe 23. The sleeve `16 is provided with a number of circulation holes 29, which holes are positioned between the packings 27 and 28, The sleeve 16 is formed with ducts 311 extendingy longitudinally ytherethrough in olset relation to the circulation holes, and the ducts 31 do not communicate with holes 29.

`The packer 3 is mounted on a connecting pipe 30 which screws onto the 'lower end of the by-pass assembly 15. The packer 3 is tubular so that fluid can flow from the perforated sleeve 4, thence upwardly through the packer 3 and into the lower end of the by-pass assembly 15. The fluid may also flow upwardly through the ducts 31 into passage 18 and thence into ports 19. A small drain port 31" in the lsleeve 16 permits excess fluid to drain from wit-hin the pipe 17 The operation of the preferred form of my invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, is as follows: When the tool is first introduced into the well, the sampling holes 22 are closed by the packing 20, and also the byapass holes 26 are above the packing 27 while the intake holes '25 in the bottom of the pipe 23 are below the packing 28. This arrangement is shown in Figure 1. Now as the tool is lower-ed into the well the packer 3 is collapsed, and' when the desired point is reached at which a test is to be taken the packer 3 is expanded to engage the bore of the well. When the packer engages the bore of the well it will hold the by-pass assembly 15, the control head 2 and the sleeve 8 stationary. Rotation of the drill pipe 6 .to the right will now cause the sampling tube 12 to move downwardly. When the sampling holes 22 are aligned with the ports `19 a sample of fluid is taken in. The by-pass ports `26 are .at this time closed by the packing .27. However, fluid can ow upwardly through the sleeve 16 at this time since this sleeve is drilled longitudinally `to provide the fluid ducts `31. On further 4rotationof the drill pipe 6 the sampling ports 22 will be closed by engaging the packing 21, as shown in Figure 4. In this position the by-pass ports 26 are opposite the holes 29 and Vcornrnunicating therewith, therefore, lluid can flow from below the packer. .3, thence upwardly through the packer and'out through the equalizing holes 29. Thus when the `tool is removedV from the well fluid can pass around the packer 3 andV it will not be necessary to lift the entire `column of fluid in the well.

In the modification shown in Figs. 68 the by-pass assembly 32 is constructed. similar to the by-pass assembly 15, previously described. This by-pass assembly also consists of a sleeve 33 with upper and lower annular packings 34 and. 35 arranged above and below the equalizer o r by-pass holes 3.6. These holes extend horizontally through the wall. of the sleeve 33, substantially as shown. An extension pipe 37 is attached to the sampling tube 12 and extends downwardly through the by-pass assembly 32, substantially as shown. The packings 3.4 and 35 sealingly `engage .the walliof vthe extension pipe 37, substantially as shown. The extension pipe 37 is provided with upper holes 38 .and lower holes 39 and when going into the well bothy of these holes are closed by the packings 34 and 35, respectively. The sleeve 33 is formed Iwith l.ducts 36 extending longitudinally therethrough in offset relation to the circulation holes, andvperform the same function .as .ducts 3.1. After a sample is taken inl the manner previously described the sampling tube 12 has been lowered. This causes the holes 38 to move downwardly until they align with the by-pass holes 36. At that time the holes 39 are below the pack-ing 35 and fluid can flow int-o the holes 39, thence outwardly through the holes 38 and 36, thus permitting luid to pass outwardly above the packer 3 and permit pressure equalization around the `packer 3 to enable the tool to be easily removed from the well.

In the modifica-tion shown in Figures 9 and 10 a fluid by-pass assembly 4.0 Vconsists of a sleeve 41 which is formed with outlet holes 42 extending through the wall thereof. These holes are provided between upper packing 43 and lower packing 44. The extension pipe 45, which is attached to the sampling tube 12 ina manner previously described, is provided with a check valve 46 at the lower end thereof. The packings 43 and -44 sealingly engage the pipe 45. This check valve closes upwardly against the seat 47 inthe pipe 45. The spring 48 which engages the ball 46 isquite light anda column of fluid -above the ball 46 will open the same. The pipe 45 is also provided with pressureequalization holes-49, and when the pipe 45 is lowered during the sampling operation as previously described,` these holes will be aligned with the holes 42, thus permitting fluid to circulate downwardly through the pipe 45 and past the check valve 46, thus permitting fluid to circulate around the packer 3 when the tooly is being removed from the'well. The static head of fluid in the well will be s-ui'e'ient to unseat the ball 46 and permit fluid to circulate. The sleeve 41 is formed with ducts 42' which extend longitudinallyr therethrough in offset relation to the circulation holes, and perform the same function as the ducts 31.

Having described my invention, l claim:

1. A formation tester with pressure equalizing means comprising a control head, .said control head having ports extending through the wall thereof, a sampling tube extending longitudinally through said control head', a plug closing the lower end of said sampling tube, said sampling tube having an intake hole therein alignable with said ports, a control tube rotatable in the control head forvattachment to a drill pipe, coengaging thread means on the sampling tube and the control tube 'in the control head, said sampling tube being movable 'longitudinally in the control head to `move said intake hole relativeto said ports on'rotation of the drill pipe and controltube, a tubular by-pass assembly mounted on the control head and below .the same, said by-pass assembly comprising a tubular body and a tubular packing mounted in the tubular body, .a pipe mounted on the lower .end of the .sampling tube and below said plug and extending through the. ,by-pass assembly, said tubular packing sealingly engaging said pipe, said tubular body having circulation holes. `extending through the. wall thereof, and .said pipe having an .upper holev therein .aliggllable with the circulation .holes to. permit ow of fluid around the packing, and the lower end of said pipe having holes therein positioned below said packing, said upper hole in the pipe being closed by the packing when the intake hole in the ,sampling tube is. aligned with said ports, said tubular body being provided with an intake duct communicating at one end with the. portsin thecontrol head and at. the. other end .with the` exterior of the .by-.pass assembly below said tubular packing.

2. A. formation tester with pressure equalizing means comprising .a control head, said control head having ports extending; ,through .the wall thereof, a .sampling tube extending longitudiually through said control head, a plug closing the. lower end.. of said sampling tube, .said sampling tube having an intake hole therein alignable with said ports, a control .tube rotatable in the .control head for attachment to a drill. pipe, coengaging. .thread means on the ,sampling :tube and` thecontrol tube in the control head, said sampling tube being movable longitudinally in the control head to move said intake hole relative to said ports on rotation of the drill pipe and control tube, a tubular by-pass assembly mounted on the control head and below the same, said by-pass assembly comprising a tubular body and a tubular packing mounted in the tubular body, a pipe mounted on the sampling tube and extending through the by-pass assembly, said tubular packing sealinigly engaging said pipe, said tubular body having circulation holes extending through the wall thereof, and said pipe having a hole therein alignable with the circulation holes to permit ow of lluid around the packing, packing means in the by-pass assembly above and below said circulation holes, said hole in the pipe being closed by the packing means during part of the longitudinal movement of the pipe, said pipe having a second hole therein spaced below the first named hole, both of said holes being closed by the packing means during part of the longitudinal movement of the pipe, and the lower end of said pipe having holes therein positioned below said packing means, said tubular body being provided with an intake duct communicating at one end with the ports in the control head and at the other end with the exterior of the by-pass assembly below said tubular packing.

3. A formation tester with pressure equalizing means comprising a control head, said control head having ports extending through the wall thereof, a sampling tube extending longitudinally through said control head, a plug closing the lower end of said sampling tube, said sampling tube having an intake hole therein alignable with said ports, a control tube rotatable in the control head for attachment to a drill pipe, coengaging thread means on the sampling tube and the control tube in the control head, said sampling tube being movable longitudinally in the control head to move said intake hole relative to said ports on rotation of the drill pipe and control tube, a tubular by-pass assembly mounted on the control head and below the same, said by-pass assembly comprising a tubular body and a tubular packing mounted in the tubular body, a pipe mounted on the sampling tube and extending through the by-pass assembly, said tubular packing sealingly engaging said pipe, said tubular body having circulation holes extending through the wall thereof, and said pipe having a hole therein alignable with the circulation holes to permit iiow of iluid around the packing, said tubular body being provided with an intake duct communicating at one end with the ports in the control head and at the other end with the exterior of the by-pass assembly below said tubular packing, and a downwardly opening check valve in the lower end of said pipe.

4. A formation tester with pressure equalizing means comprising a control head, said control head having ports extending through the wall thereof, a sampling tube extending longitudinally through staid control head, a plug closing the lower end of said sampling tube, said sampling tube having an intake hole therein alignable with said ports, a control tube rotatable in the control head for attachment to a drill pipe, coengaging thread means on the sampling tube and the control tube in the control head, said sampling tube being movable longitudinally in the control head to move said intake hole relative to said ports on rotation of the drill pipe and control tube, a tubular by-pass assembly mounted on the control head and below `the same, said by-pass assembly comprising a tubular body and a tubular packing mounted in the tubular body, a pipe mounted on the sampling tube and extending through the by-pass assembly, said tubular packing sealingly engaging said pipe, said tubular body having circulation holes extending through the wall thereof, and said pipe having a hole therein alignable with the circulation holes to permit flow of tluid around the packing, packing means in the by-pass assembly above and below said circulation holes, said hole in the pipe being closed by the packing means during part of the longitudinal movement of the pipe, said pipe having a second hole therein spaced below the rst named hole, both of said holes being closed by the packing means during part of the longitudinal movement of the pipe, the second hole in the pipe being positioned below the lower packing means when the first named hole aligns with said circulation holes, said tubular body being provided with an intake duct communicating at one end with the ports in the control head and at the other end with the exterior of the by-pass assembly below said tubular packing.

5. A formation tester with pressure equalizing means comprising a control head, said control head having ports extending through the wall thereof, a sampling tube extending longitudinally through said control head, a plug closing the lower end of said sampling tube, said sampling tube having an intake hole therein alignable with said ports, a control tube rotatable in the control head for attachment to a drill pipe, coengaging means on the sampling tube and the control tube to move said sampling tube longitudinally in the control head to move the intake hole relative to said ports, a tubular by-pass assembly mounted on the control head and below the same, said by-pass assembly comprising a tubular body anda tubular packing mounted in the tubular body, a pipe on the lower end of the sampling tube, said pipe extending through the by-pass assembly, said tubular packing sealingly engaging said pipe, said tubular body having circulation holes extending through the wall thereof, and said pipe having a hole therein alignable with the circulation holes to permit flow of fluid around the packing in one position of said pipe when the intake hole in the sampling tube is not aligned with said ports, packing means in the by-pass assembly above and below said circulation holes, said hole in the pipe being closed by the packing means during part of the longitudinal movement of the pipe, said pipe having a second hole therein lspaced below the first named hole, `both of said holes being closed by the packing means during part of the longitudinal movement of the pipe, the second hole in the pipe being positioned below the lower packing means when the lirst named hole aligns with said circulation holes, said tubular body being provided with an intake duct communicating `at one end with the ports in the control head and `at the other end with the exterior of the by-pass `assembly below said tubular packing.

6. A formation tester and well packer with means for equalizing pressure above yand below the.` packer, ycomprising a control head, a by-pass assembly including a tubular body mounted below the control head, a well packer mounted below the tubular body, upper and lower pipe sections interconnecting the tubular body with the control head and the well packer respectively, said control head having ports extending through the wall thereof land communicating -at their outer ends with the interior of the upper pipe section, `a sampling tube extending longitudinally through said control head, a plug closing the lower end of said sampling tube, `said sampling tube having an intake hole alignable with said. ports, a control tube swiveled in said control head for attachment to a drill pipe, coengaging means on the sampling tube and the control tube to move said sampling tube longitudinally in the control head upon rotation of the drill pipe relative to the control head and sampling tube and to move the intake hole relative to said ports, said tubular body having tubular packing mounted therein, a by-pass pipe mounted on the lower end of said sampling tube and extending through said tubular body and through said packing in sealing engagement therewith, said tubular body having circulation holes extending through the wall thereof and communicating `at their outer ends with the exterior of said pipe sections labove said well packer, said by-pass pipe having a rst hole therein alignable with the circulation holes and a second hole positionable below said packing, said first hole being closed by the packing when the intake hole in said sampling tube is aligned with the v'dihg continuous*cmmunication Abetween the exterior 'of sii 10Wr`pip`e section 'below said Well packer and the 5 References Cited inthe le of this patent v UNITED STATES PATENTS IVIIeIirlley Apr. 116, 1940 Bradner July 7, 1942 McKinley Apr. L11, 1950 `Johnston Dec. 8, 1953 

